Motion over ethernet

Enhancements to its range of programmable automation controllers (PACs) mean Rockwell Automation can now offer Integrated Motion over EtherNet/IP.

Motion solutions can reside on the same protocol and control architecture as other automation systems within the installation. This is designed to help companies increase their machine design flexibility, improve system performance and reduce overall system costs.

Rockwell Automation's Integrated Motion on EtherNet/IP uses Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) Motion and CIP Sync technology from the Open Device Vendors Association. Addition of motion capabilities over EtherNet/IP enhances the capabilities of this automation protocol. It appears in over 850 product lines from 250 companies; more than two million nodes have been sold for use in industrial applications.

Haïthem Mansouri, European product manager,Motion Control, says: "This really is an important evolution in machine control; what we have done is close the loop. By introducing motion over EtherNet/IP we have given engineers the ability to side-step their reliance on specialist motion protocols. EtherNet/IP is, to all intents and purposes, identical to standard Ethernet, the only change being in the Application Layer. It uses standard Ethernet, and allows users to manage real-time control and information flow for improved plant-wide optimisation.